Yield and nutrient uptake of Bigalta limpograss with liquid and solid N-P-K fertilizers

Abstract

A two-year study to compare the effect of liquid and solid N-P-K (9:1:4) fertilizers on 'Bigalta' limpograss (Hemarthria altissima (Poir.) Stapf and C.E. Hubbard) production and nutrient uptake was conducted on the Deseret Ranches in Central Florida. There was a positive linear relationship between yield of forage and the amount of N-P-K fertilizer applied with both sources. The consistently low N, P and K concentrations of the forage were positively affected by increased N-P-K levels. Liquid fertilizer averaged 37% less dry matter production than solid fertilizer, while the solid source maintained higher N, P and K concentrations, and higher relative uptakes of N, P and K (30, 29 and 70% higher, respectively) than the liquid. Under the conditions of this study, ammonia volatilization was probably the major reason for the lower yield, N concentration and relative N uptake from the use of liquid fertilizer. The lower concentration and uptake of P and K of the liquid-treated forage appears to be associated with the lower yields obtained with this source.